CROWDFUNDING NEWS – In my household, robots and robotic gadgets seem to be all the craze for my son and recently for me too. I have both purchased and reviewed several types of robotic gadgets that were designed mostly for young kids or teenagers. However, since I have a great interest in robotic gadgets too, it would be nice for daddy to have a new toy that has nothing to do with the kids.
Guess what? I think I found one! According to the designers, Hexbot is “The first versatile desktop robotic arm with extreme 0.05mm high repeatability that turns your desktop into a workshop.” They designed the arm with creativity and tasks in mind, and I think it will be versatile enough for many enthusiasts to make great use of it.
This is for the basic kit that includes:
• The Hexbot robot arm,
• The Pen holding module,
• The Power supply,
• The high-speed USB-C cable.
The following addons can also be purchased:
+$80 for laser engraving module with a protecting shield.
+$79 for 3D printing module.
+$50 for 3.5-inch touchscreen.
+$109 for the pneumatic kit.
+$439 for conveyor belt.
+$869 for sliding rail.
The Hexbot can be preordered via their Indiegogo Indemand page right now, with shipments scheduled to begin in October 2019. The preorder price is $299 which they state is $360 off the planned retail price.
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NEWS – As a kid, one of my chores was to help weed the garden. I loathed the task with every cell in my body, so when I finally got around to it, the weeds were well established and even more difficult to remove. Now there’s a robot to do the work for people who detest weeding. Tertill is a solar-powered, weather-proof, garden weeding robot that was created by the same guy who created the Roomba, Joe Jones. This robot uses sensors to differentiate tall plants from small germinating plants. When it detects a germinating plant, it cuts it using Tertill’s weed trimmer. If you wish to protect your small germinating garden plants, you can use plant collars that the Tertill will detect and avoid.
Even though the Tertill is constantly charging using its solar panel, it uses energy more quickly than the amount gained from the sun so the robot has to stop periodically. In general, it runs for a certain period of time before stopping and recharging, after which it runs again and repeats this process indefinitely. It will charge more slowly on overcast days and run less often but it does still run. So by leaving it in your garden, it will run intermittently throughout the day searching for and cutting down germinating weeds. Tertill is also waterproof so it can stay outside when it rains. It is important to note that the Tertill needs barriers of at least two inches high to prevent the robot from wandering off. Here Tertill, Tertill, Tertill! Where are you, boy?
Now, you might be thinking, “Won’t the trimmed weeds just grow back?” The short answer is “Yes.” However, in general, when a plant first germinates, it uses the stored food in the seed to feed the plant until it can establish roots and grow leaves to produce its own food. By continually cutting the weed back, it never has a chance to establish itself and produce its own food thus, the seed eventually runs out of stored nutrients and the plant dies.
Tertill measures 11.7″ x 11.7″ x 7.2″, weighs 48 oz., and connects to an Android or iOS app using Bluetooth. The app informs you about the conditions in your garden and what the Tertill has been doing. When you order one, it comes with 10 sets of plant collars, 10 row collars, and five replacement wacker strings all for $299 on the Tertill website. One Tertill should be enough to cover a garden of about 100 square feet.
Want to know more? Here is an informative Kickstarter video that they used to describe the Tertill. The successful campaign ended in 2017.
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NEWS – Flying drone market leader, DJI, is beginning phase two of their robot overlord project with a ground-based robot – the Robomaster S1.
Billed as an educational tool, the Robomaster S1 is an assemble-yourself robot designed to get today’s youth, or really anyone, excited about the possibilities of robotic technology.
The S1, short for “Step 1”, can use up to 46 different, customizable components, allowing the user to create a completely different experience. The S1 supports Scratch and Python programming languages giving users an intro into robotics programming and customization.
For the ultimate in mobility, the S1 comes with four Mecanum wheels, each with 12 rollers. These wheels allow the S1 complete omnidirectional movement. Besides standard forward, backward and turning, the S1 can move sideways, spin in place and so on.
A two-axis gimbal with attached blaster provides exciting gameplay with both gel beads and infrared beams. Intelligent armor has sensors that detect both types of hits making for realistic gaming.
The S1 is designed for multiple modes:
Line Follow: Create a fun and interactive course and map out the path desired for the S1. Program Line Follow through the RoboMaster app and the S1 will automatically follow the line.
Vision Marker Recognition: The S1 can recognize up to 44 Vision Markers, including numbers, letters, and special characters, which opens more potential for coding, combat, and training.
Follow Mode: Built into the RoboMaster app, the S1 can identify and follow a person selected in the S1’s field of vision.
Clap Recognition: A built-in clap recognition module on the S1 can be programmed for unique responses based upon clap quantity.
Gesture Recognition: The S1 can be programmed to recognize an array of physical hand gestures similar to some DJI drones.
S1 Recognition: The S1 can recognize other S1 units and perform unique movements based on how it is programmed.
The RoboMaster S1 hits the market on June 12 for $499, but deliveries may take a while. A “PlayMore Kit”, which includes the dedicated gamepad, additional gel beads, one battery, and a gel bead container, will be available for purchase at a later date.
Per the DJI store:
To comply with local laws and regulations, the RoboMaster S1 will not be sold in Washington, D.C. or North Dakota.
Due to limited new product availability, each customer can only purchase two units. Additional orders after two units have been purchased will be canceled.
To put in your order and begin the land-based arm of Skynet, visit the DJI Store.
The Robomaster really looks like an intriguing kit for your up-and-coming Gadgeteer kids. Offering both mechanical and programming training as well as some AI and gameplay, it may be the thing to get the next generation interested in science and technology.
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REVIEW – I have never really been into gaming gadgets and quite frankly, the only games I play are usually card type games on my smartphone while I pass the time traveling on the railroad back and forth to work. When I got the opportunity to review a pair of the GJS GEIO gaming robots, I readily accepted because they look like nothing I have seen before and I was intrigued by them. I wonder if they will get me hyped or just bored? Let’s see!!
What is it?
GEIO is an innovative gaming robot equipped with an intelligent visual recognition system. It is capable of high-speed mobility and includes a flexible biaxial battery which allows for more game modes. “It adds a powerful long-range unit to the [mechanized battlefield]. Its small size does, however, not impact its power.”
What’s in the box
1 x GJS Battle Robot (2 were provided by the manufacturer for this review)
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Rechargeable Battery
1 x Instruction card
4 x Totem Game Cards
Design and features
Features
Specifications
Size: 170mm x 170mm x 160mm Weight: 730g Turret Angle – Horizontal: 0-160° Turret Pitch: 0-90° Material: Aluminum Alloy, ABS Battery: 7.4V 2000mAh Supported Mobile Phone System: iOS / Android Camera Resolution: 300,000 pixels Visual Identity Range: 50cm-2m Internal Sensor Infrared Sensors: Magnetic Sensor Connectivity: WIFI Operating Frequency: 5GHz Maximum Transmission Distance: 70 m
The GJS Robots are well designed and very attractive. They have built-in LED lighting all around their frame and they are well built. They utilize Totem cards as a part of some of the games to give gain weapons and health, etc and they actually have the ability to read the cards. The various pictures below highlight some of the design features.
The picture below provides a clear view of the camera that is mounted on the turret and the guns that have built-in LEDs in each barrel. The LEDs in the gun barrel flash like strobes when they are shooting.
The picture below is just another angle showcasing the design and the LEDs that are all over the robot.
Underneath the robot, there are 4 sets of double wheels that allow for great versatility in movement including sideways. In the center, there is a connection for the rechargeable battery.
On one side of the rechargeable battery, there is a micro USB port for recharging. The battery can be charged separately, or while connected to the robot. The micro USB charging port is still accessible when the battery is connected. This is shown in the third picture below.
Performance
Once the batteries are charged and installed, the robot is ready to go. On the back of the robot there is a power button, and once pressed, the robot turns on, makes robot-like sounds, the turret moves around and the “eye” seems to be searching. Once you download and install the GJS GEIO app, and the robot is turned on, it shows up in the WIFI list on your mobile device. You can select a single robot mode or multi-player mode. Controlling the robot is easy but you have to get used to the on-screen controls because they are quite sensitive. The robot can move very quickly, is very responsive to the controls, and can move in just about any direction and orientation you choose. You can also turn the direction of your phone and the robot will respond to your movement. This is especially helpful in the AR mode when fighting virtual robots. When you place the Totem cards within the battlefield, you can focus in on the pictures on the cards for various gains. There are lots of capabilities but they not that easy to describe unless you actually use the robot. The instruction card that is included is not that helpful and since it is also not that detailed, you have to figure out some things on your own. The print on the card is also quite small. The following pictures are of the two sides of the instruction card:
The following is one of several short videos on the GJS website that show the robot in operation:
The screenshots from the app below show some of the choices of operation modes that are available via the app.
The next app screenshot below shows the start screen. You touch red or blue depending on which robot you want to control.
The following app screenshots are of various POV views from within the app.
The video below shows the POV from within the app. It is a bit grainy but the point is to show how it looks with the movement from the screen while controlling it. (It would be clearer with better lighting)
What I like
The overall design
The attractive LED lighting
The versatility to be able to move in just about every direction
The speed of movement
The interactive capabilities
The first-person POV view
The realistic and visible weapons lighting
The game options
The build quality
What can be improved
Better instructions for directions and visibility
Better battery life
Final thoughts
I am not a gamer, but when I first saw these robots, I was intrigued. I was worried if they could keep my attention long enough and whether they would be more like a toy for my 4-year-old. Well, I was so wrong. This robot is great, designed for older kids and adults, and even better if you have 2 so that someone can play against you. Maybe I am not as advanced as some in regards to Artificial Intelligence, but I find them to be amazing at how they operate and interact, and I can spend lots of time playing around with them until the battery dies. In my “What can be Improved” comments, I mentioned the battery life because, for this type of gadget, I want the battery to give me a few of hours of playing time like a video game. It gets more than an hour depending on use, but I want more time between charges. Maybe the solution is to purchase additional batteries. I will have to see if that is possible. This robot is well built, well designed, loads of fun and just great. Two thumbs up!!
Price: $199.99 each Where to buy:Amazon Sample: The sample for this review was provided by GEIO
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REVIEW – I have never really been into gaming gadgets and quite frankly, the only games I play are usually card type games on my smartphone while I pass the time traveling on the railroad back and forth to work. When I got the opportunity to review a pair of the GJS GEIO gaming robots, I readily accepted because they look like nothing I have seen before and I was intrigued by them. I wonder if they will get me hyped or just bored? Let’s see!!
What is it?
GEIO is an innovative gaming robot equipped with an intelligent visual recognition system. It is capable of high-speed mobility and includes a flexible biaxial battery which allows for more game modes. “It adds a powerful long-range unit to the [mechanized battlefield]. Its small size does, however, not impact its power.”
What’s in the box
1 x GJS Battle Robot (2 were provided by the manufacturer for this review)
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Rechargeable Battery
1 x Instruction card
4 x Totem Game Cards
Design and features
Features
Specifications
Size: 170mm x 170mm x 160mm Weight: 730g Turret Angle – Horizontal: 0-160° Turret Pitch: 0-90° Material: Aluminum Alloy, ABS Battery: 7.4V 2000mAh Supported Mobile Phone System: iOS / Android Camera Resolution: 300,000 pixels Visual Identity Range: 50cm-2m Internal Sensor Infrared Sensors: Magnetic Sensor Connectivity: WIFI Operating Frequency: 5GHz Maximum Transmission Distance: 70 m
The GJS Robots are well designed and very attractive. They have built-in LED lighting all around their frame and they are well built. They utilize Totem cards as a part of some of the games to give gain weapons and health, etc and they actually have the ability to read the cards. The various pictures below highlight some of the design features.
The picture below provides a clear view of the camera that is mounted on the turret and the guns that have built-in LEDs in each barrel. The LEDs in the gun barrel flash like strobes when they are shooting.
The picture below is just another angle showcasing the design and the LEDs that are all over the robot.
Underneath the robot, there are 4 sets of double wheels that allow for great versatility in movement including sideways. In the center, there is a connection for the rechargeable battery.
On one side of the rechargeable battery, there is a micro USB port for recharging. The battery can be charged separately, or while connected to the robot. The micro USB charging port is still accessible when the battery is connected. This is shown in the third picture below.
Performance
Once the batteries are charged and installed, the robot is ready to go. On the back of the robot there is a power button, and once pressed, the robot turns on, makes robot-like sounds, the turret moves around and the “eye” seems to be searching. Once you download and install the GJS GEIO app, and the robot is turned on, it shows up in the WIFI list on your mobile device. You can select a single robot mode or multi-player mode. Controlling the robot is easy but you have to get used to the on-screen controls because they are quite sensitive. The robot can move very quickly, is very responsive to the controls, and can move in just about any direction and orientation you choose. You can also turn the direction of your phone and the robot will respond to your movement. This is especially helpful in the AR mode when fighting virtual robots. When you place the Totem cards within the battlefield, you can focus in on the pictures on the cards for various gains. There are lots of capabilities but they not that easy to describe unless you actually use the robot. The instruction card that is included is not that helpful and since it is also not that detailed, you have to figure out some things on your own. The print on the card is also quite small. The following pictures are of the two sides of the instruction card:
The following is one of several short videos on the GJS website that show the robot in operation:
The screenshots from the app below show some of the choices of operation modes that are available via the app.
The next app screenshot below shows the start screen. You touch red or blue depending on which robot you want to control.
The following app screenshots are of various POV views from within the app.
The video below shows the POV from within the app. It is a bit grainy but the point is to show how it looks with the movement from the screen while controlling it. (It would be clearer with better lighting)
What I like
The overall design
The attractive LED lighting
The versatility to be able to move in just about every direction
The speed of movement
The interactive capabilities
The first-person POV view
The realistic and visible weapons lighting
The game options
The build quality
What can be improved
Better instructions for directions and visibility
Better battery life
Final thoughts
I am not a gamer, but when I first saw these robots, I was intrigued. I was worried if they could keep my attention long enough and whether they would be more like a toy for my 4-year-old. Well, I was so wrong. This robot is great, designed for older kids and adults, and even better if you have 2 so that someone can play against you. Maybe I am not as advanced as some in regards to Artificial Intelligence, but I find them to be amazing at how they operate and interact, and I can spend lots of time playing around with them until the battery dies. In my “What can be Improved” comments, I mentioned the battery life because, for this type of gadget, I want the battery to give me a few of hours of playing time like a video game. It gets more than an hour depending on use, but I want more time between charges. Maybe the solution is to purchase additional batteries. I will have to see if that is possible. This robot is well built, well designed, loads of fun and just great. Two thumbs up!!
Price: $199.99 each Where to buy:Amazon Sample: The sample for this review was provided by GEIO
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